Born May 25, 1932, in Attleboro, MA (some sources say Providence, RI); died of a heart attack, February 16, 1996, while on vacation in Florida. Novelist and actor. An accomplished writer of eleven novels, Bowen is best remembered to filmgoers for his portrayal of Colonel Henry Blake in M*A*S*H. He originated the role that was later performed by McLean Stevenson on the television series of the same name. Bowen and Stevenson died one day apart, both of heart problems. Early in his career, Bowen got involved in script writing for an improvisational group called the Compass Players. The troupe--which included Mike Nichols, Elaine May, and Alan Arkin-- later became known as Second City. Bowen began acting to earn some extra money. He went on to appear in films suchas Heaven Can Wait, The Main Event, Zapped!, and Morgan Stewart's Coming Home. He starred in several television shows, including Arnie, House Calls, andThe Brian Keith Show. Among his television movie credits are Arthur Hailey's"The Moneychangers," The Bastard, and Goldie and the Boxer Go to Hollywood. He wrote novels such as Just Like a Movie and The Silent 50s.
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